Related Stories

Tearing up during a particularly sad scene of a movie? Let yourself cry, says one pop culture lecturer and journalist.

The shame around crying in public dates back to whole 20th century, where public displays of emotion were seen as "unsophisticated and anti-intellectual," Carl Wilson told CBC Radio's On The Island.

But crying during movies can actually help people recognize the emotion during more difficult and more real, situations.

"One of the things that letting our entertainment move us in that way can do is keep those circuits alive in our bodies and in our minds — to be in touch with our emotions and know when we're not entirely okay."

As cheesy as it may sound, being in touch with your emotions is probably more important today than ever, because of the constant pressure to be the best version of yourself, said Wilson.

"Because we're all living in this insecure employment world where you seem like you have to promote your brand, there's a danger of pretending to always be okay and be at our best," he said.

'A workout for your emotional senses'

Think of it as an exercise for your emotions, he said.

"It feels to me like a workout for your emotional senses, [during] times in your life where it might not be so easy to express those things day to day."

It may be hard work, but showing emotion in public is part of the solution when it comes to changing gender roles and expressing gay sensibilities, said Wilson.

"That stigma seems to be lifting to some degree from a more open and emotional response to pop culture."

Wilson is giving a lecture at the University of Victoria called "The Taste of Tears: When Pop Culture Makes People Cry" Thursday night.

To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.

By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Note: The CBC does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comments, you acknowledge that CBC has the right to reproduce, broadcast and publicize those comments or any part thereof in any manner whatsoever. Please note that comments are moderated and published according to our submission guidelines.